Kelly this all sounds fabulous. I believe as you do that we have to honor a houses heritage. Sometimes it is tempting to completely "basterdize" them but I think that is a disservice. I have struggled with the same things in my Spanish Colonial. How to update while still remaining somewhat true to it's heritage. It is a battle, but you have made great selections. One of these days you must stop on your way back and forth. Maybe hubby could drop you off and I would have an excuse to visit SB and take you back. I really don't mind the drive at all.

Sounds like a plan! I think of you every time we pass through the Salinas valley. But before you visit I need to get it all finished so you're not stepping over chop saws and construction debris. Should be all done by the end of May....just in time for summer ; )))

I'm anxious to know how your Ceasarstone concrete counters hold up. Last year when I was doing research on quartz counters I discovered them & was very excited about having concrete counters without the usual issues concrete has.But further investigation revealed bad reviews. I was disappointed & ended up with plain white. Maybe they've gotten better in regard to staining.

Hi Mary, thanks for the info. Concrete is very porous and will always crack so you are smart not to go that route. Ceasarstone and all of the other similar products are roughly 95% stone with the additional 5% a polymer product. The negative issues I have heard, relate more to people putting very hot pans on the surface which will burn and etch. Having designed kitchens with all sorts of "real"stone, all of which have issues, I'm anxious to see how Ceasarstone holds up. We lived in a wonderful condo with Caesarstone and I loved it. It is very expensive so I'm crossing my fingers.

I literally broke into uncontrollable laughter when I read "on is on and on is 18,000 British Thermal Units of hell" ... HILARIOUS! Can't wait to see the kitchen unfold, I'm sure it's going be gorgeous Kelley!

Hi Kelley, sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for an IG posting of kitchen demo. I am in the planning stages, blue tape all over the floor, talking with contractors and getting bids. UGH! I live about 2 hours away from Ventura in the central valley and would love to visit the stoneyard you bought the soapstone from for your Camarillo home. Having an impossible time finding here. Thanks so much for all your inspiration...

Hi Penny, soon to come on IG. We purchased the stone for our house in Ojai from Stone West I think or they may have been the fabricator. Either way there is a huge stone yard in Ventura which I highly recommend. Lots of folks from Santa Barbara LA and north go there because of the selection. It would be worth the drive. When I purchased mine they had probably 20 slabs to choose from. We used 2 slabs for the project which is about average for a kitchen. Hope that helps!!

Hi Kelley,I am excited to see a post from you. I too am considering a kitchen remodel on our house in Asti. So I've been living on IG and Pinterest. I want a free standing refrigerator and remembered that you did that once with a commercial refrigerator. I look forward to following along with your remodel. ~Delores

I was sent by another BLOGGER who has commented HERE!WE have the same gravel.........and I live in California too!I read another post but this darn computer wouldn't allow me to comment!ADORE the baskets by the gate!Love the bit about the BRITISH Oven.......they are not known for their cooking MAYBE THAT IS THE PROBLEM!!!!!!!!Your gardens are lovely..........especially those stone beds.I agree with YOU on the items NOT TO re-plant.AS for a kitchen remodel nothing MORE exciting!BEST of LUCK and I shall SUBSCRIBE!!!

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